Tuesday Talk
Join Julie Kobak and the Thiel College SLP students to chat about a variety of fun topics! This session will meet every Tuesday. FACILITATOR(S): Julie Kobak
Join Julie Kobak and the Thiel College SLP students to chat about a variety of fun topics! This session will meet every Tuesday. FACILITATOR(S): Julie Kobak
Join Melissa Edrich and the Nova Southeastern graduate students as they discuss fun topics. Do you like to be fooled on April 1st? Let's learn about the history of this holiday and discuss some funny April Fools’ Day pranks! FACILITATOR(S): Melissa Edrich
***This session is for CAREGIVERS ONLY.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova Southeastern graduate students to discuss how life has changed. Life as a CarePartner for someone with aphasia brings gifts and challenges, and the journey ahead can be deeply meaningful. You don’t need to travel this road alone; we can serve as your circle of support as you…
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
***This is a closed group*** This monthly team meeting is for the VC superstars who have completed all 8 of the Pathways Webinar Series. Want to be invited to this group? Join us for the next Pathways Series and complete all 8 webinars!. FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** Participate in a learning experience designed to equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of travel to ensure effective communication, and a seamless travel experience. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
***Please Note: these sessions do not provide return-to-work pathways or guarantee return-to-work opportunities.*** Join speech therapist and researcher Sami Wong & Allie Reed as we listen and learn from Virtual Connections members about their work stories. Work can be an important part of our identities, and “work” has many meanings. This can include parenting, caregiving, traditional careers, volunteering, and more. FACILITATOR(S): Sami Wong & Allie Reed
Join Caterina Staltari and the Duquesne students in a conversation among friends about a variety of topics. Persons with aphasia and their families often identify a key goal in communication as improving the ability to have conversations with others. Conversation goes well beyond informing people of wants and needs. Initiating a conversation and keeping a conversation going supports social closeness and information sharing. FACILITATOR: Caterina Staltari, M.A.,CCC-SLP
***This session is for families living with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).*** Join Dr. Fred Dicarlo and the Nova Southeastern graduate students: We’ll discuss how communication changes with PPA and ways to support conversation as PPA evolves. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas and experiences. Group leaders will provide examples & strategies. What is PPA? Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a condition that results from damage…
***This session is for members who use assistive technology to help them communicate. Please only join this session if you use a communication board, device, or other tool to help you communicate. Thank you!*** Do you use AAC? If so, join Krista Davidson and the University of Iowa’s graduate SLP students each week for an…
***This session will meet every Thursday.*** Do you enjoy learning new things and sharing your experiences? If so, please Join Dr. Kate Krival and the PennWest University – Edinboro graduate SLP students in conversation covering a variety of topics. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Kate Krival, SLP
Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova Southeastern graduate students for this weekly session all about finding the positive in each and every day of your aphasia journey. Living with aphasia can reveal your inner spark of strengths and talents you never thought you had. Come join our conversation, where we learn from each other, lean on each other, and share our gifts! FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Lea Kaploun
***This session is designed for members who need extra communication support. Mini Chat sessions will only be 30 minutes in length.*** Join this session to share about your pets. We will introduce our pets and share pictures. We hope to see you there! FACILTIATOR(S): Teresa Thompson
***The group will meet every other week.*** Join Stroke Onward’s, Kaitlyn Fieseler and Flannery O’Neil, stroke survivors with aphasia to discuss identity and emotional health. During this group, we will talk about the emotional journey of living with aphasia and how to rebuild identity in the face of it. ***Space is limited to 25 participants*** FACILITATOR(S): Flannery O'Neil & Kaitlyn Fieseler
Relax and unwind with some meditation and mindful breathing techniques. Learn how to practice mindful breathing in your everyday routine. FACILITATOR(S): Michael Shemesh
***This is a working class. Bring a paper, pen, or whiteboard to write or draw with. Bring your phone camera if you want to take pictures of any of the visuals to support you for the week.*** This motivational session will share tips and ideas to improve life with aphasia. We will learn how to make an action plan for…
Want to meet others with aphasia and practice your speech in a small group? These sessions give you a chance to meet others with aphasia from around the world. If you struggle to get the words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow-Richards
***This session is for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This session is not intended for stroke survivors.*** Recovery and aphasia after a Traumatic Brain Injury can be very different from that of a stroke. Join us to meet other TBI survivors and to chat about the ways in which your lives have changed following your…
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This practical course is tailored for individuals using a Lingraphica device to build the essential skills for effective phone communication. Participants will explore strategies to confidently make and receive phone calls, ensuring clear and meaningful interactions in both personal and professional contexts. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Did you know that improv acting helps build communication skills? Join us for improv games for aphasia. We will communicate creatively and have fun. No experience necessary! Dr. Brooke Hallowell, and professional improv actor and SLP, Ruth Jenkins will facilitate. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Brooke Hallowell & Ruth Jenkins
Join Julie Kobak and the Thiel College SLP students to chat about a variety of fun topics! This session will meet every Tuesday. FACILITATOR(S): Julie Kobak
Join Caterina Staltari and the Duquesne students in a conversation among friends about a variety of topics. Persons with aphasia and their families often identify a key goal in communication as improving the ability to have conversations with others. Conversation goes well beyond informing people of wants and needs. Initiating a conversation and keeping a conversation going supports social closeness and information sharing. FACILITATOR: Caterina Staltari, M.A.,CCC-SLP
Join Melissa Edrich and the Nova Southeastern graduate students as they discuss fun topics. Have you ever been to the zoo? What’s your favorite animal to see? Let's have a discussion about zoo animals and to look at some zoo cameras! FACILITATOR(S): Melissa Edrich
***This session is for CAREGIVERS ONLY.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova Southeastern graduate students to discuss how life has changed. Life as a CarePartner for someone with aphasia brings gifts and challenges, and the journey ahead can be deeply meaningful. You don’t need to travel this road alone; we can serve as your circle of support as you…
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
Share running stories and photos, encourage each other, and learn the many benefits of running. All running levels welcome-including those who haven’t started running yet but are just curious! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This practical course is tailored for individuals using a Lingraphica device to build the essential skills for effective phone communication. Participants will explore strategies to confidently make and receive phone calls, ensuring clear and meaningful interactions in both personal and professional contexts. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Join to talk with others in the LGBTQ+ community about their experiences and identities. A safe space for all! FACILITATOR(S): Carly Millanski & Danielle Millanski
This is a support group for people with aphasia who are parenting young children or teenagers. Join us to talk about the joys and challenges of raising children. You can connect with other parents, share stories, and learn from each other’s mistakes. CarePartners are welcome to attend. FACILITATOR(S): Veronica Brown
Join Caterina Staltari and the Duquesne students in a conversation among friends about a variety of topics. Persons with aphasia and their families often identify a key goal in communication as improving the ability to have conversations with others. Conversation goes well beyond informing people of wants and needs. Initiating a conversation and keeping a conversation going supports social closeness and information sharing. FACILITATOR: Caterina Staltari, M.A.,CCC-SLP
***This group is for CarePartners or caregivers of people living with aphasia that is getting worse.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova students to discuss life as a CarePartner to a loved one with PPA. While some difficulties are similar to those seen in people who have aphasia after a stroke, people facing worsening communication skills have some unique…
***This session is for members who use assistive technology to help them communicate. Please only join this session if you use a communication board, device, or other tool to help you communicate. Thank you!*** Do you use AAC? If so, join Krista Davidson and the University of Iowa’s graduate SLP students each week for an…
***This session will meet every Thursday.*** Do you enjoy learning new things and sharing your experiences? If so, please Join Dr. Kate Krival and the PennWest University – Edinboro graduate SLP students in conversation covering a variety of topics. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Kate Krival, SLP
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This practical course is tailored for individuals using a Lingraphica device to build the essential skills for effective phone communication. Participants will explore strategies to confidently make and receive phone calls, ensuring clear and meaningful interactions in both personal and professional contexts. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova Southeastern graduate students for this weekly session all about finding the positive in each and every day of your aphasia journey. Living with aphasia can reveal your inner spark of strengths and talents you never thought you had. Come join our conversation, where we learn from each other, lean on each other, and share our gifts! FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Lea Kaploun
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Everyday Math for People with Aphasia Play games with other people with aphasia to help rebuild basic math skills! Join Dr. Tami Brancamp (SLP) and David Brancamp (Math Educator) to work on counting, adding, subtracting, etc. Please bring a deck of cards and two dice, if you have them! FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Tami & David…
Si tienesafasia, hablas español y te interesa practicar el idioma, ¡apúntate al Club de Español! Hablaremos de países y culturas hispánicas, nuestras familias y tradiciones, y la vida cotidiana. Esta sesión se realiza en español. FACILITADORA(S): Irene Williams
Come learn basic sentences in French and talk in French. This session is for people with some knowledge of the French language. FACILITATOR(S): Wendy Cook
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This course is designed to facilitate ownership of your device including comfort with powering on and off your device, adjusting volume, charging, using accessories, and additional features. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Come join Randi Dirnberger as we discuss gardening and outdoor adaptive tools. FACILITATOR: Randi Dirnberger
Sing Aphasia is a community-based organization that offers music programs for individuals with aphasia and their families. Join Dr. Gillian Velmer to sing some familiar songs and test your musical knowledge. Easy to read lyrics will be displayed on the screen so you can join in. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Gillian Velmer
***This session will speak only in Cantonese*** We’ll be watching a short film together at the beginning of our session and we’ll behaving a chat about it in Cantonese. All people who want to brush up on your Cantonese skills, feel free to come along! FACILITATOR(S): Brit Fong
Join Julie Kobak and the Thiel College SLP students to chat about a variety of fun topics! This session will meet every Tuesday. FACILITATOR(S): Julie Kobak
***A session for people living with aphasia for 3 years or more after your stroke to chat about all kinds of interesting topics*** It’s a new year. What are your plans to improve your health and wellbeing this year? Examples could include: exercising more, gardening and meditation. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Glenn Goldblum & Barb Meyer
Join Caterina Staltari and the Duquesne students in a conversation among friends about a variety of topics. Persons with aphasia and their families often identify a key goal in communication as improving the ability to have conversations with others. Conversation goes well beyond informing people of wants and needs. Initiating a conversation and keeping a conversation going supports social closeness and information sharing. FACILITATOR: Caterina Staltari, M.A.,CCC-SLP
Join Melissa Edrich and the Nova Southeastern graduate students as they discuss fun topics. Are you hungry? What’s your favorite food? Come join us to discuss different foods, recipes, and more! FACILITATOR(S): Melissa Edrich
***This session is for CAREGIVERS ONLY.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova Southeastern graduate students to discuss how life has changed. Life as a CarePartner for someone with aphasia brings gifts and challenges, and the journey ahead can be deeply meaningful. You don’t need to travel this road alone; we can serve as your circle of support as you…
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Join Lynsey for Music Trivia and listen to some classic rock! FACILTIATOR(S): Lynsey Keator
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This course is designed to facilitate ownership of your device including comfort with powering on and off your device, adjusting volume, charging, using accessories, and additional features. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
***Please Note: these sessions do not provide return-to-work pathways or guarantee return-to-work opportunities.*** Join speech therapist and researcher Sami Wong & Allie Reed as we listen and learn from Virtual Connections members about their work stories. Work can be an important part of our identities, and “work” has many meanings. This can include parenting, caregiving, traditional careers, volunteering, and more. FACILITATOR(S): Sami Wong & Allie Reed
Join Caterina Staltari and the Duquesne students in a conversation among friends about a variety of topics. Persons with aphasia and their families often identify a key goal in communication as improving the ability to have conversations with others. Conversation goes well beyond informing people of wants and needs. Initiating a conversation and keeping a conversation going supports social closeness and information sharing. FACILITATOR: Caterina Staltari, M.A.,CCC-SLP
***This session is for members who use assistive technology to help them communicate. Please only join this session if you use a communication board, device, or other tool to help you communicate. Thank you!*** Do you use AAC? If so, join Krista Davidson and the University of Iowa’s graduate SLP students each week for an…
***This session will meet every Thursday.*** Do you enjoy learning new things and sharing your experiences? If so, please Join Dr. Kate Krival and the PennWest University – Edinboro graduate SLP students in conversation covering a variety of topics. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Kate Krival, SLP
****This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** This course is designed to facilitate ownership of your device including comfort with powering on and off your device, adjusting volume, charging, using accessories, and additional features. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Time for CPs to bring their morning or afternoon drink to this group devoted to prioritizing YOURself. FACILITATOR (S): Abbe Simon
Let's get together to discuss different make-up brands, application tips, tools, and skin care! FACILITATOR(S): Melanie Baez
How about a song and a dance? We will watch our favorite performers in some of the most captivating scenes and musical numbers from the great movie-musicals, starting with the 1930s to modern day. Includes trivia! FACILITATOR(S): Christina Rivera
Let's talk about Grammarly! Grammarly can do more than check your spelling. It can also give you suggestions about your word choice, punctuation, and grammar. It can even re-write whole sentences or paragraphs! Please share your writing tips and tricks too. FACILITATOR(S): Michelle Gravier
***No painting experience is required.*** This is a painting class for people who have aphasia. Bring your paint, brushes, and canvas! Come learn tips and tricks to reveal your inner artist. You can make art or appreciate and support your creative friends. Bring a project you are working on or get inspired to create something new. …
Come learn basic vocabulary in French. This session is for people with no knowledge or little knowledge of the French language. FACILITATOR(S): Wendy Cook
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** In this course, participants will learn to use communication tools and techniques, with focus on flexibility. Learners will explore a range of tools including draw, type and talk, icons, gestures, and verbal speech. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth
Join us as we share a unique opportunity for individuals with Moyamoya Disease who have aphasia. These three individuals with aphasia secondary to a stroke caused by Moyamoya Disease, David Kim, Natalie Comstock and Leah Gorman have partnered to offer their peers with Moyamoya Disease a place to connect for support specific to their condition. FACILITATOR(S): Faye Stillman, David Kim, Natalie Comstock & Leah Gorman
Gather with other young women for open talks, share tips for moving forward, and discuss what other young women want to talk about; from the fun stuff to the hard topics. We’re here for support and encouragement! FACILITATOR(S): Shelley Laitinen
Join Julie Kobak and the Thiel College SLP students to chat about a variety of fun topics! This session will meet every Tuesday. FACILITATOR(S): Julie Kobak
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
Writing poetry after aphasia can be very therapeutic! Join speech therapist Dr. Bri and Mark for this session all about expressing yourself and your aphasia journey through poetry. Participants will be given writing assignments and encouraged to share their poetry with the group. Those interested in learning how to write poetry are welcome to join us on…
Share running stories and photos, encourage each other, and learn the many benefits of running. All running levels welcome-including those who haven’t started running yet but are just curious! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
In this song-filled session, we will listen to popular American music throughout the decades. You’ll have the chance to flex your music trivia muscles by naming the tune, guessing the composer, and even learn little-known facts about the various artists and songs. Along the way, we will also get to know more about each other…
***This is a device user group. You must have a Lingraphica device to attend, although communication partners are encouraged to join and support users.*** In this course, participants will learn to use communication tools and techniques, with focus on flexibility. Learners will explore a range of tools including draw, type and talk, icons, gestures, and verbal speech. FACILITATOR(S): John Smyth